Growing Up Too Fast

There’s been a lot of growing up happening since the last entry. Haley graduated from Preschool in a ceremony so sweet I needed insulin to get through it. (The cookies served at the conclusion may have had something to do with that as well.) At the end of the ceremony, which included Haley and her peers singing a few songs, each child was given a balloon and told that releasing the balloon was symbolic of “letting go” of preschool. (A better parent would reprint the actual wording from the program here. Nicole, that’s your cue!) I had to fight five years of conditioning to force myself to NOT grab the balloon in an attempt to save it as it floated away.

In September she starts kindergarten. Yes, already.

In the meantime, Nicole has signed both girls up for a number of classes and camps. Zoe will start her tumbling class soon, where she’ll learn how to… um… tumble… I guess. (Can’t she do this at home for free?) Haley has spent the past week in Princess Camp. This is a camp where each day she gets to dress up as a designated princess and they do crafts and games relating to that character. (No, really! I couldn’t make stuff like this up if I tried.)

Which brings us to yesterday. Haley’s birthday. Wow. Things sure have changed from strapping her into a highchair and giving her a cupcake. The day started with the aforementioned Princess Camp, whose focus just happened to be one of Haley’s favorites – The Little Mermaid. Nicole made cupcakes for the whole group. So picture in your mind 14 little girls, all dressed up like Disney princess characters, eating bright pink frosted cupcakes. Got the tone for the day? Good. This was followed by a pedicure with mommy where Haley got flowers painted on her toenails. Then Haley and Nicole went to have a real tea party at a nearby restaurant. Then daddy came home for dinner and Bunny and Grumpa joined us for presents. Phew.

And that doesn’t even cover this upcoming weekend’s party with her friends.

Just because this is Haley’s birthday week (month?), doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten Zoe. Her vocabulary and comprehension are increasing quickly and she can usually get across to us what she is trying to say with simple sentences. For example she’ll say something like “Shuz. Outsai.” (Shoes. Outside.) to tell us she wants to put on shoes and go play in the backyard.

Zoe is also learning a few things quicker as a benefit of watching Haley. She is already showing an interest in using the training potty, and this has also translated to telling us when she needs a diaper change. She also seems to understand sitting in the corner as punishment. Although we’re not sure what to think of it when she hits her sister on purpose and willingly goes to sit in the corner. Apparently she is ready to do the time for that particular transgression.